Introduction: The necessity of culturally competent Internet Cancer Support Groups (ICSGs) for ethnic minorities has recently been highlighted in order to increase its attractivity, and usage. The purpose of this study was to determine the preliminary efficacy of a culturally tailored registered nurse (RN) moderated ICSG for Asian American breast cancer survivors (ICSG-AA) in enhancing the women’s breast cancer survivorship experience. Methods: The study included two phases: (a) a usability test and an expert review; and (b) a randomized controlled pilot intervention study. The usability test was conducted among five Asian American breast cancer survivors using a 1-month online forum, and the expert review was conducted among five experts using the Cognitive Walkthrough method. The randomized controlled pilot intervention study (a pre-test and post-test design) was conducted among 65 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive and inferential statistics including the repeated ANOVA. Results: All users and experts positively evaluated the program, and provided their suggestions for the display, educational contents, and user-friendly structure. There were significant positive changes in support care needs and physical and psychological symptoms (p < 0.05) of the control group. There were significant negative changes in the uncertainty level of the intervention group (p < 0.10). Controlling for background and disease factors, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in physical and psychological symptoms and quality of life (p < 0.10). Discussion: The findings supported the positive effects of ICSGs on support care needs, psychological and physical symptoms, and quality of life.

We have developed an assessment model for identifying patients with a high possibility of being discharged to their homes after an acute stroke. This model would be useful for health professionals to adequately plan patients' discharge soon after their admission.

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Although the adherence rate in this study was slightly higher than that in previous studies, Japanese patients with UC who were not adherent to their medications had a twofold greater risk of relapse than those who were. These results indicate the importance of early identification of patients with non-adherence. A program to support medication taking behavior is needed to prevent UC relapse.